Saudi Gazette/Okaz

JEDDAH — The Saudi Football Federation (SFF) announced that the organizing committee of the Arab Cup Soccer tournament has chosen 5 Saudi women referees to supervise the tournament matches.

The organizing committee of the tournament also chose Lama Al-Enezi and Bashayer Al-Arfaj as part of the team responsible for the general coordination of the matches.

The referees were chosen as a part of the Arab federations efforts in developing women’s participation in the game and to further develop the sport.

Lamia Bahian, member of the SFF Board of Directors and director of the Women's Football Department, said that because of the administration’s high level of support towards women's football it is playing a greater role in the sport's development.

She added, "We are proud of the participation of the Saudi coordinators and referees in the Arab Championship.

“And we thank the Arab Federation for giving us the opportunity to learn and interact with those who preceded us, and we look forward to our participation and hope to achieve the result we aspire for."

She stated that participation of Saudi cadres in the Arab Championship has been a top priority for the administration since its inception, while also mentioning the technical advantages for Saudi football.